Tail Docking
Tail docking is the surgical process of shortening a dog's tail to give a shorter "nub"-like appearance. This is a cosmetic procedure that is done based on owner preference; there is no substantial scientific evidence supporting the supposed benefits of tail docking.
Tail docking is the surgical process of shortening a dog's tail to give a shorter "nub"-like appearance. This is a cosmetic procedure that is done based on owner preference; there is no substantial scientific evidence supporting the supposed benefits of tail docking.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When can my dog's tail be docked?
Puppies get their tail's docked between 3 and 5 days of age. They are young enough then that their nervous system is not full developed. At this age anesthesia is not used, nor would it be safe to use in a dog so young. Aesthetic results are best if tail docking is done at a young age. After the window of nervous system development closes puppies getting their tail docked will be put under full anesthesia to undergo the procedure and will therefore be charged as an "adult". Adult dogs can also have their tail docked. The procedure as an adult involves full anesthesia and is more expensive.
What are the benefits of docking a dog's tail?
A common benefit cited for docking a dog's tail is the prevention of injury. It is important to note that this assertion has little scientific evidence to back it up. In the largest study conducted on the subject (500 dogs) the incidence of tail injury in dogs with natural tails was found to be 0.23%, meaning that over 500 dogs would need to undergo the tail docking procedure in order to prevent a single injury. Another reason commonly cited is cleanliness in long haired breeds. While this may be partly true, a hair cut is usually adequate. If a tail is injured or proves injurious to others, surgery can be considered, but largely, tail docking is done based on the aesthetic preferences of the owner only.
When can my dog's tail be docked?
Puppies get their tail's docked between 3 and 5 days of age. They are young enough then that their nervous system is not full developed. At this age anesthesia is not used, nor would it be safe to use in a dog so young. Aesthetic results are best if tail docking is done at a young age. After the window of nervous system development closes puppies getting their tail docked will be put under full anesthesia to undergo the procedure and will therefore be charged as an "adult". Adult dogs can also have their tail docked. The procedure as an adult involves full anesthesia and is more expensive.
What are the benefits of docking a dog's tail?
A common benefit cited for docking a dog's tail is the prevention of injury. It is important to note that this assertion has little scientific evidence to back it up. In the largest study conducted on the subject (500 dogs) the incidence of tail injury in dogs with natural tails was found to be 0.23%, meaning that over 500 dogs would need to undergo the tail docking procedure in order to prevent a single injury. Another reason commonly cited is cleanliness in long haired breeds. While this may be partly true, a hair cut is usually adequate. If a tail is injured or proves injurious to others, surgery can be considered, but largely, tail docking is done based on the aesthetic preferences of the owner only.